Free Wifi in Japan
If you are traveling in Japan, you will probably need internet access. From looking up great local restaurants to keeping in contact with friends and family, being able to connect to the net makes traveling abroad a smoother experience. As a tourist coming to Japan, you probably won't be signing up for a wifi or data plan with a Japanese mobile network provider, so knowing how readily available wifi is in Japan can give you a lot of peace of mind.
So let's look at where to find free wifi in Japan, along with some tips about how to keep your privacy and data safe while accessing wifi. We'll also briefly look at online map app options if you find yourself in a situation where there is no public wifi available.
Where to Find Wifi Hotspots
Here are some general places where you can usually access free wifi in Japan.
・In Urban Areas:
Major train stations like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station offer free Wi-Fi services that are easy to access. Shopping malls also tend to have free wifi, such as at Shibuya 109 in Tokyo or Namba Parks in Osaka. If you need wifi, stations and shopping malls will be your friend.
・In Rural Areas:
While free wifi hotspots may be harder to come by in the countryside, they can be found. Tourist Information Centers in places like Hakone or Nikko often provide free Wi-Fi to assist travelers with maps and guides. Wi-Fi access is also often available at visitor centers in popular national parks such as Fuji-・Hakone-Izu National Park.
・On Public Transportation:
Free wifi is available on many of Japan's shinkansen (bullet train) lines. Local and long-distance buses also tend to have free wifi.
Free Wi-Fi Spots for Tourists
Many businesses and companies in Japan provide free wifi to customers or people who download specific apps. These free wifi spots can be found all over Japan, especially in big cities. Here are a few options.
・Starbucks (and other cafes)
Many café chains in Japan offer free wifi for customers. Starbucks is one of these, and with more than 1,600 stores in Japan, it shouldn't be too hard for you to find a Starbucks near you if you need wifi. You'll need to enter your email address or use a social media account to access Starbucks' network, but no other membership is required.
Starbucks is not the only cafe that provides free wifi, so keep an eye out for signs or stickers outside of places advertising that they have wifi available. Some wifi networks might require you to register, and may not have English instructions available, so keep that in mind.
・McDonald's
McDonald's in Japan also offers free wifi that, like Starbucks and other restaurants/cafes, simply requires entering an email address to access. McDonald's can also be found all over Japan, so if you need wifi this is also a great option.
・Softbank Free Wi-Fi Passport
Major mobile network companies in Japan also offer free wifi networks that can be accessed in hotels, stations, restaurants, cafes, and more. While some of these networks can only be accessed if you are a paying customer on that specific network, others can be accessed for free by tourists. The mobile network Softbank offers free wifi for tourists visiting Japan, and claims to have over 400,000 hotspots available. Just look for ".FREE_WI-FI_PASSPORT" as you're traveling to access it.
For more info about Softbank's free wifi network, click here.
・Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect is another app that supports multiple languages and helps you connect to safe and reliable wifi networks. It can be used at more than 170,000 locations across Japan. You will need to download the app and register an account before you can use it, but once you do you'll be able to access many wifi networks for free.
For more information and to download the app, click here.
How to Protect Yourself when Using Public Wifi
As long as you are connecting to public wifi networks through the businesses or services we talked about, you shouldn't need to be worried about connecting. That being said, here are some things you should keep in mind whenever you access any public wifi services in Japan.
1. Always use secure wifi connections. Make sure the network you are connecting to requires a password or other form of identification, such as registering an email address. Networks with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption are generally safer.
2. Use a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your data to travel through. This prevents anyone from stealing your information or tracking you. To use a VPN, you will need to sign up and pay for one, install the VPN app on your device, and then connect to the VPN before using public wifi.
3. Be cautious about the information you share. Avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts or personal information when connected to a public wifi network. If you must, do so while using a VPN.
4. Make sure your anti-virus software and firewall are on. This is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself.
5. Keep your device's software up to date. When most devices receive updates, security updates are generally included. These updates protect against the latest vulnerabilities, which is why it is important to keep your device up-to-date if you plan on using public wifi.
6. Be wary of phishing scams. Only enter personal information on websites that are secure and trustworthy.
Offline Map Options
As much as Japan's free wifi options have expanded, there is always the chance you will find yourself somewhere with no public wifi or cell reception--especially in rural parts of the country. Luckily, if you need to check a map or train schedule, there are some options.
・Maps.Me
Maps.Me is a free app that provides offline maps for over 200 countries, including Japan. Users can download maps for specific regions or entire countries, and access them without an internet connection. The app offers detailed maps with points of interest, and users can search for restaurants, hotels, and other attractions.
・Navitime
Navitime is a popular navigation app in Japan that offers offline maps and real-time transit information. The app provides detailed maps for walking, driving, and public transportation. Navitime also offers voice-guided navigation in English, which can make your life much easier as you're traveling the country.
・Japan Official Travel App
The Japan Official Travel App is a free app developed by the Japan National Tourism Organization. It provides offline maps, travel guides, and information about local events and attractions. You can save any restaurants, hotels, or points of interest you find in the app to check later.
Don't Stress About Wifi!
With so many wifi spots available in Japan, especially in urban centers, you won't find yourself without the internet when you need it. Most places with wifi have signs placed in prominent locations advertising it, so keep an eye out for these signs when you are in Japan.
